Chris Waller colt could be a winter carnival Force
Chris Waller has long been a proponent of seasoning his later-maturing two-year-olds during the Brisbane winter carnival, and Canterbury winner Imperial Force is poised to follow that route.
The highest price colt sold at last year’s Inglis Easter Sale, the son of Snitzel out of Gold Fever mare Ultimate Fever was a $1.6 million purchase for Coolmore’s Tom Magnier and is raced as part of its colts’ fund.
He looks to have a bright future judging by the dominance of his 3-3/4 length win in Wednesday’s James Squire Handicap (1250m), and while Waller will consult with his ownership group before locking in a plan, he is keen to take Imperial Force north.
“My push would be towards Queensland for a big race or two up there,” Waller said.
“He’s a good colt and it has worked well for us in the past.
“It helps mature horses and give them confidence and they come back a bit race smart.
“If you just turn them out now after two runs and you expect them to run in the big races when they come back, they still haven’t learned enough.”
Waller confirmed the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) are among the options being considered in Brisbane.
The champion trainer has enjoyed great success in the Queensland features, particularly the Atkins which he has won with The Autumn Sun (2018), Press Statement (2015) and Pressday (2010).
Both The Autumn Sun and Press Statement went on to capture the Caulfield Guineas the following spring, while Pressday won the Sandown Guineas.
Waller likewise seasoned Zoustar and Brazen Beau in Queensland, that pair placing in the Atkins and developing into Group 1 winners at three.
The stable also has winter carnival plans for former New Zealand filly Little Jeanie, who appreciated a distance rise to 1550m to score a strong win in the opening race at the midweek Canterbury program.
A daughter of noted staying sire Savabeel, Little Jeanie is being aimed towards the Queensland Oaks, possibly via the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.
More Racing News
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...
Waller's entrants set for All-Star Mile at Flemington
Leading handler Chris Waller embraces the All-Star Mile format since its promotion to Group 1.Launched back in 2019, the All-Star Mile moved between key Melbourne venues and mirrored Japan's Arima Kinen by letting the public choose their top pick.Changes were implemented in later years, and Waller entered sparingly.Securing Group 1...
Mark Zahra backs Tentyris to overcome weight in Newmarket
Mark Zahra, the jockey, doesn't see the allocated weight for Tentyris as a barrier to the colt capturing the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.To win the Group 1 1200m event at Flemington on Saturday, Tentyris must replicate the weight record set by Ajax back in 1938.The 57kg impost matches what Fastnet...
Freedman eyes Ninja's mile potential in Randwick Guineas
Michael Freedman counts on Ninja getting forward in the run as an essential element boosting his shot at the Group One Randwick Guineas.Unlike key challengers Autumn Boy and Attica, who prefer to come from off the pace, Ninja showed his flexibility in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) by tracking the pacesetter...
Experienced Coal Crusher set for Newcastle Stakes challenge
If Coal Crusher maintains his strong connection with the Newcastle venue, he could provide Joe Pride with an excellent beginning to his weekend on a prominent regional racing occasion.On a quick six-day freshen-up from his Liverpool City Cup (1300m) defeat at Randwick, the gelding lines up in Friday's Group 3...
Rawiller's decision spotlights Lady Shenandoah's Canterbury Stakes bid
With Ciaron Maher readying Gringotts for his seasonal reappearance in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, another jockey has accidentally boosted the credentials of a prominent rival entrant.Nash Rawiller built an impressive alliance with Gringotts late in his previous campaign, notching successive wins in the Big Dance and The Gong.They were...